705-141 Origins of Modern Urban Planning

Formerly available as 705-441 Western Lineages of Urban Planning. Students who have completed 705-441 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

A critical examination of the evolution of urban planning as a response to the conflicts generated by the rapid industrialisation and urbanisation of the last 200 years. The subject traces modern urban planning and design practice to its 19th Century reformist, utopian socialist, sanitary and regulatory and culturalist origins.

It will focus on 19th Century responses to industrialisation and urbanisation in Europe, North America, and Australia; alternative interpretations of 19th century planning; the interaction between public and private forces and the intervention of the State; the professionalisation of town planning and the development of planning method and machinery since 1914; British, European, American, and Australian ideas and initiatives between the two world wars.

Written assignments equivalent to 2000 words, comprising a literature review or class paper, and questions on weekly reading (50%), two short class tests (20%), and a two-hour examination (30%).